May 9, 1943 - July 21, 2020
Virtue Ethel (Sulley) Kean was born on May 9th, 1943 in St. Anthony, Newfoundland. Leander and Florence raised eight children, of which, Virtue was the youngest. Virtue often shared fond stories of her time with her grandparents during her summer visits to Raleigh.
In 1960 Virtue met the love of her life, Jerry Kean. He serenated her with his guitar playing skills and they married 2 years later in 1962. On March 28th, 2020 they celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary. In the years that followed they were blessed with a family of 6; 3 boys and 3 girls. Virtue has been known to share one of her favourite memories of Christmas mornings when all the kids would jump in bed with them and there would be fingers, toes, heads and tails everywhere. Today their family has grown to include 11 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.
She was a fantastic painter and over the years she was called upon many times to use her artistic talents to help groups and organizations. She was awarded many certificates and plaques in recognition and appreciation of her work.
In 1974 Virtue began her employment with the International Grenfell Association, (later known as Grenfell Regional health services). She loved children and was the play therapist on Pediatrics for many years. She entertained and helped care for the many children who were far from home and spent months in hospital. You can imagine the mother figure she became to those children who were brought to the hospital without family. She played and cared for them as if they were her own. They sent her Christmas cards for years and we have heard her talk about them many times. She actually brought some children home to birthday parties and Christmas events which is an example of her kindness and interest in the well being of those children she cared for. Virtue had a keen interest in art and the walls on the Pediatric ward came alive with such characters as Snow White and the Seven dwarfs, Peter Pan, Big bird, etc. She took it upon herself to do far more than her job entailed planning and organizing many special events for the children and staff. Later on in her career, Virtue transferred to outpatient department receptionist and became well known to people within the region.
Virtue was an active volunteer within the community. She was a very religious lady who had a passion for her church and helped many times keep church while the minister was away. Virtue was a member of the choir, church board, the united church women’s group, hand bell choir and the Women’s Auxiliary. She spent many years as a guide leader and later was appointed regional Girl Guide commissioner of Canada. She was also actively involved in square dancing group. Virtue also volunteered at the Grenfell Heritage foundation day and the Grenfell ride yearly. It’s been fondly remarked that Virtue scrambled the eggs for many Grenfell riders.
Virtue enjoyed knitting and could be found most evenings rocking in her chair with a set of needles and a ball of wool. She loved to knit for her family turning out sweaters, hats, socks and mittens upon request. Some of her knitted items could be found at the United church UCW craft sales and the gift shop at the Curtis Memorial Hospital in aide of the Women’s Auxiliary.
Another hobby loved by Virtue was a good game of cards. Over the years, Virtue and Audrey could be found at the kitchen table playing; Rummoli, Skip-bo, 500’s and Queens, late into the evening. Virtue loved the outdoors and enjoyed walking and berry picking. She was an avid baker and well known for her delicious bread, cookies, cinnamon rolls and donuts. Above all Virtue’s most favourite thing was to listen to her husband play guitar and enjoy her family getting together for sing-a-longs.
Although Virtue is now with the Lord, she will be forever loved and missed dearly by her family and friends and will be forever held in their hearts.
Left with joyful memories of her zest for Life and love of family husband Jerry Daughters Velma (Rod) Bown, Trudi (Wade) Hiscock, Nicole (Bern) Johnson; Sons, Frank (Ruby), Dana (Sharon), Gord; Grandchildren, Matthew (Natasha), Deborah (Sheldon), Justin, Stacey (Gaylon), Ashley (Jordan), Jonathan (Lina), Amanda (Leslie), Brittany (AJ), Bernie, Joshua (Tyra), Marshall; great-grandchildren, Quinn, Alexis, Gemma, Blake, Noah, Xavier; Sister, Una (Garth) Newman; Brother-in-law, Mike Milner.
She was predeceased by her Parents, Leander and Florence Sulley; Sisters, Jessie Elliott, May Baikie, Hazel Milner, Irene Sulley; Brothers, Joseph Sulley and Stuart Hillier.
Private funeral to take place from Kerry M. Fillatre’s Funeral Home in St. Anthony at 8:00 pm with Rev. John Maich officiating. Cremation to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to the Kidney Foundation. The funeral service will be streamed on Facebook at the Kerry M. Fillatre’s Funeral Home Facebook Group at 8:00 pm on Friday, July 24, 2020 with Rev. Maich officiating.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to Kerry M. Fillatre’s Funeral Home, St. Anthony and Roddickton, Lee Nippard, Funeral Director.
